BritRail Pass

The simplicity and ease of use are fantastic. Just show up at the station and hop on a train--even the Heathrow Express--no reservation needed. If you are planning a flexible vacation to Britain, this is for you. No rigid timetable and you can hop on and off at your leisure, seeing what you want to see.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

What a great way to get around the UK. Once we had the pass stamped it was so easy to use and no worries about having to queue for tickets. We just checked the timetable worked out where we wanted to go and off we went. The extra for first class was well worth it. Will definitely be looking at it next time. 100% recommended.

One person liked this comment.

The Britrail Pass was convenient (once we figured out how to get it stamped to start) and a fair price. It was good to have the expense out of the way before we arrived. We loved traveling by train instead of plane once we arrived, and were able to see the countryside comfortably instead of sitting for hours awaiting a flight only to sit in a tight seat, then wait for baggage. We were satisfied with meals offered and the service was excellent (first class tickets were worth the extra bit). Have done it before and hope to again.

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The best part of having a BritRail Pass is the convenience. You can board and disembark a train at any time and any place. You never have to stand in a line to get a ticket. When looking at the cost of a trip on line, we realize what a huge bargain it is to buy the pass. Our family uses First Class accommodation as well which makes it even more convenient. If we are going to be on a busy route at peak times we normally get reservations which are free in the booking offices. First Class cars on some train lines provide snacks, drinks and some food. Love having breakfast on the train! Cars are normally quieter, more comfortable and not as hectic. With our BritRail pass we got several different tickets at 2 for 1 by showing our pass. We have used these passes for many years and plan to do so for many years to come. They are wonderful.

Used a 3 days +1 day special offer consecutive pass with my wife within Oct 19. Very easy to use, value for money especially when you cannot/do not want to plan ahead your trip in detail (if you can and you book your ticket ahead you can get bargain deals).

I travelled all over Scotland and places in England with only good experiences. The trains were always on time, there was only one journey I had to stand. Staff were friendly and helpful, one even tried to help me with my phone. First class was very luxurious with spacious seating and many amenities apart from the ample refreshments and service. I hope to return with my husband this time and explore more of the UK this way.

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This was the third time I have enjoyed a first-class consecutive pass. Trains in Britain are, with some exceptions, fast, comfortable and reliable. The pass is very good value and allows the holder to move freely around the system. The view out the window is unfailingly interesting and sometimes spectacular. There are a few minor changes that could be made to make the Britrail experience even more rewarding. It would be useful to make the pass capable of using the ticket barrier system if possible, as the layout of some of the busy stations make it hard for non-standard ticket holders. On the wildly scenic routes in Cornwall, Wales and Scotland for example, it would be nice if the windows could be cleaner. And, rather more problematic, some of the older diesel railcars have a problem with diesel exhaust fumes entering the passenger compartment. I found travelling in the first car of multiple unit trains a partial solution to this problem.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Brit Rail pass was great, made traveling on trains from England and Wales easy, staff were very helpful, would recommend if you are traveling around the UK.

1. My first day of travel was Edinburgh to London. There was an unfortunate accident involving a train ahead of us. Train crew did an excellent job of informing passengers about what was happening. 2. I travelled from Paddington to Exeter. The accommodation and the assistance I received from staff were fine. I was very disappointed with the food and beverage availability, especially when I compare it to that provided to Club class passengers by VIA rail in Canada 3. I use a walking stick and I requested assistance with boarding the train on Exeter platform. One staffer said he would help me but then walked right by me. I called out to another staffer who told me I should hurry or I would miss the train. I asked him again for help which he grudgingly gave me. 4. On the Exeter to London train the only food available at lunch time was dried out cheese sandwiches 5. On arrival at Paddington I asked a staffer in a GW uniform which platform I should go to for the Heathrow Express the next day (I had a bonus day on my pass) only to be told the line would be closed for maintenance. This was the only indication I had of anything untoward - no announcements, no signs. If I had not inquired I would have shown up at the station next day and perhaps having missed my flight I was not happy with my experience using a first-class pass. The service has deteriorated from my past experience

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My 8 day Britrail pass was certainly ideal for me in Oct/Nov. I stayed 1, 2 or 3 nights from London, Plymouth, Edinburgh and Aberystwyth. Trains in the North were a bit more plush, but the service was better (excellent) in the South on GWR. Wales was disappointing with crowded trains and no first class or included refreshments, although the conditions did say not to expect first class everywhere. I wouldn’t let this put anyone off a visit to beautiful Aberystwyth. When planning my journeys I found that the “best price” for first class for my entire journey was about 50% more than I paid. I didn’t take the Heathrow express add-on; I got to and from on the tube. Took longer, with a change, but part of the adventure. I found that assistance from platform rail staff, including the underground, was excellent, except in Liverpool. I made seat reservations on every trip that I could. Had no problem getting a seat on the unbooked trips.